GI Tag TO Black Rice and Terracotta

In
News

GI tag
had been given to the black rice variety of Manipur and terracotta of
Gorakhpur.

In-Detail

The Geographical Indication tag had been
given to Chak-Hao, ablack
rice variety of Manipur
and Gorakhpur terracotta
on 30 April.

The Consortium of Producers of Chak-Hao black
rice, Manipur filed the application. It was aided by the Department of
Agriculture, Government of Manipur and the North-Eastern Regional Agricultural
Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC).

The application for the terracotta was filed by
the Laxmi Terracotta Murtikala Kendra in Uttar Pradesh.

Black
Rice

Black
rice, known as Chak-Hao,is in
cultivation in Manipur for over centuries.

It is known for its special aroma and glutinous
rice. It belongs to the species oryza sativa.

It is normally served as a dessert – Chak-Hao
kheer – during the community feasts.

It is a good source of vitamin E, fiber, high
sources of anthocyanins, iron and antioxidants.

Research indicates that consumption of black
rice prevents and manages ailments such as diabetes, atherosclerosis,
hypertension, high cholesterol, allergies, ageing signs and cancers.

The black rice takes the longest cooking time of
40 to 45 mins. This is due to the presence of fibrous bran layer and higher
crude content.

The Chak-Hao cultivation is practised in various
forms such as directly sowing the pre-soaked seeds, transplantation of rice
seedlings raised in the nurseries and puddle fields practice in wetlands.

Terracotta

The terracotta of Gorakhpur is the old
traditional ceramic artwork. The products are made from the special soil found
in the Bhathat area of Gorakhpur district Uttar Pradesh.

Baked-clay is called as Terracotta.

The artists make various structures like bells,
vases, animal figures, idols, lamps and chandeliers with hand-applied
ornamentation.